Ecosystem-based adaptation

Approach to climate change adaptation that integrates ecosystem services

Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) is an approach to climate change adaptation that uses biodiversity and ecosystem services to help people adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. This approach aims to increase the resilience and reduce the vulnerability of both human and natural systems through the sustainable management, conservation, and restoration of ecosystems.

Key Concepts

Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including the variety of species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity within species. It plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem services that are vital for human survival and well-being.

Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems. These include provisioning services such as food and water; regulating services such as flood and disease control; cultural services such as spiritual and recreational benefits; and supporting services such as nutrient cycling that maintain the conditions for life on Earth.

Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth. It is primarily driven by human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.

Implementation of Ecosystem-based Adaptation

EbA involves a range of strategies that utilize natural systems to buffer communities against the impacts of climate change. These strategies include:

• **Restoration of ecosystems**: Restoring degraded ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, and mangroves to enhance their capacity to provide ecosystem services.
• **Sustainable management**: Implementing sustainable land and water management practices that maintain ecosystem health and resilience.
• **Conservation of biodiversity**: Protecting and conserving biodiversity to ensure the continued provision of ecosystem services.

Benefits of Ecosystem-based Adaptation

EbA offers multiple benefits, including:

• **Cost-effectiveness**: EbA can be more cost-effective than engineered solutions, providing long-term benefits with lower maintenance costs.
• **Multiple co-benefits**: In addition to climate adaptation, EbA can enhance biodiversity, improve livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable development.
• **Flexibility and adaptability**: EbA approaches can be tailored to local conditions and can be adjusted as climate impacts change over time.

Challenges and Considerations

While EbA offers many benefits, there are challenges to its implementation, including:

• **Lack of awareness and understanding**: There is often limited awareness of the potential of EbA among policymakers and stakeholders.
• **Funding and resources**: Securing adequate funding and resources for EbA projects can be challenging.
• **Integration into policy**: Integrating EbA into national and local policies and planning processes requires coordination across sectors and scales.

See Also

• Climate change mitigation
• Sustainable development
• Biodiversity conservation

External Links

• IUCN Ecosystem-based Adaptation
• UNEP Ecosystem-based Adaptation